We’re a quarter of the way into 2026, with March fabulous for the arts. Here are 10 happenings we think you will not want to miss.
David Hockney: A Year in Normandie and Some Other Thoughts About Painting
Serpentine North Gallery, London
12 March–23 August
We’re waiting with anticipation for this free exhibition from one of the most influential artists of our time. Expect to see Hockney’s new and most recent works, including the monumental frieze, A Year in Normandie (2020-2021). It’s on view in London for the very first time. www.serpentinegalleries.org
Teenage Cancer Trust Concerts
Royal Albert Hall, London
23-29 March
This is a bumper fundraising event for teenagers and young adults living with cancer. This year’s performances have been curated by The Cure’s Robert Smith. They include music from The Manic Street Preachers, Elbow, Mogwai and Wolf Alice. Need a laugh? There’s Robert Smith’s Comedy Favourites, which features some of the best stand-ups around. www.teenagecancertrust.org/gigs
Glasgow International Comedy Festival
Venues across Glasgow
11–29 March
Scotland’s largest dedicated comedy festival returns with 605 shows across the city. It includes household names like Sue Perkins, Alan Davies, and Harry Enfield. There’s also plenty of home-grown talent. The event culminates in the GICF Comedy Gala, where the winner of Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow is revealed. www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com
The Last Princesses of Punjab
Kensington Palace, London
From 26 March
This is a new exhibition celebrating the 150th birthday of suffragette, socialite and Punjabi princess, Sophia Duleep Singh. Visitors can enjoy an intimate look at a key figure in the fight for women’s right to vote. Then there’s the women who influenced her. That includes her godmother, Queen Victoria. Explore precious artefacts, from personal letters to jewellery and also photos. You will leave inspired. www.hrp.org.uk/kensington-palace
Emma Richardson – Levitate Me: Desire, Ecstasy and The Sublime
Southampton City Art Gallery, Southampton
7 March–31 August 2026
This world-class gallery throws open its doors after two years following a multi-million pound refurbishment project. Opening with an exhibition from acclaimed British artist and Pixies musician, Emma Richardson, this series of oil paintings explores desire and euphoria through the female lens. www.southamptoncityartgallery.com
Affordable Art Fair Battersea Spring
Battersea Park, London
4-8 March 2026
Seasoned collector or first time buyer? You will want to clear some wall space for this event. Presenting the best in contemporary art under £10,000, over 100 galleries will be exhibiting with more than 1,000 artworks on sale. Highlights include an International Women’s Day exhibition, as well as After Dark Lates and fun family mornings for smaller art critics. www.affordableartfair.com
One Day: The Musical
The Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh
11 March–19 April
Based on David Nicholl’s bestselling novel, this new musical, with immersive on-stage seating, will premiere in the city where the story’s couple first meet. Starring Olivier-nominated actor, Jamie Muscato (The Great Gatsby, Moulin Rouge) as Dexter, and Sharon Rose (Hamilton, Sylvia) as Emma, the production and has already been given an extended run due to demand. www.lyceum.org.uk
Romeo & Juliet
Harold Pinter Theatre, London
16 March–6 June
A stunning reimagining of Shakespeare’s tragic love story, starring Sadie Sink (Stranger Things) as Juliet, and Noah Jupe (A Quiet Place, Hamnet) as Romeo, in their West End debuts, this production, directed by Robert Icke, will be at the theatre for a strictly limited season. Enthusiasts of The Bard will be transfixed. www.romeojulietplay.com
LR Vandy: Rise
Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Yorkshire
14 March – 13 September
Europe’s largest sculpture park presents a first solo exhibition by celebrated artist, LR Vandy. Introducing a major new body of work, including signature large-scale rope installations and figurative sculpture examining collective movement and the material legacies of trade and labour, Vandy’s most famous work – Dancing in Time: The Ties That Bind Us – will be found overlooking the sculpture park’s historic landscape. www.ysp.org.uk
Rose Wylie: The Picture Comes First
The Royal Academy of Arts, London
28 February – 19 April
Known for her bold figurative practice, The Royal Academy of Arts will be exhibiting the largest survey to date from eminent British artist and rebellious Royal Academician, Rose Wylie. Now in her 91st year, expect to see over 90 works, from Wylie’s most famous pieces to previously unseen drawings and paintings. www.royalacademy.org.uk
